Des Walker has taken time to look back on his time with the academy so far and has also assessed the great strides the club has made under Darren Wassall.
After opting to join the Rams at the start of this calendar year alongside Craig Short, the former England International had nothing but praise for both the academy and also the work going on behind the scenes, led by academy director Darren Wassall.
Walker labelled the set-up as “one of the best academies in England, if not in Europe” and believes that there aren’t many places better for a young player to start their career.
Speaking exclusively to Rams Player HD, Walker said: “I think the academy really has moved forward fantastically. It unbelievable to see what’s on offer here, especially since I started out.
“I think Derby has taken great strides under Darren (Wassall) over the last seven or eight years since he’s been here – Derby have come from a run of the mill academy to a one of the best academies in England, if not in Europe.
“It puts the players in a very good position, the facilities are fantastic, the coaches are first class and the set-up is unbelievable so it’s a nice place for the players to start their career.
“There are some great little players in and around the academy so it’s nice to be part of it. I think Derby has moved forward a lot in recent times so it’s nice be part of it and I’m happy to contribute because football is something I’ve known all my life.”
>Although Walker has joined to strengthen all squads amongst the academy, he has played a key role with the Under 16 squad alongside the Lead Coach Danny Holmes.
Not just impressed with the talent on show, Walker says what sets the Under 16s apart from most sides is their “courage” and “desire” to win football matches.
Reflecting on his time with the youth squad, Walker added: “I’ve really enjoyed my time with the 16s so far and I think the lads are a very enthusiastic bunch.
“I’m enjoying working with Danny (Holmes), the lads are brilliant and there are some good players to work with – that’s always a good thing when you’ve got impressive players to work with.”
“I think it’s fair to say that the Under 16s are a very talented bunch and there are three or four players who are really outstanding.
“Their courage and overall enthusiasm to win football games is something that sets them apart because it’s quite rare that you see that in academy teams.
“Football doesn’t last long so every year is crucial. This is a great learning year for them that why I really enjoy working with this age group.
“It’s a good year to get the basics perfected because I think if any footballer gets the basics down then you start to understand the game and from that you can learn the specifics as you go along.”
